With the big holiday week now upon us, the list of new releases hitting stores is not surprisingly a short one — even by 2008 standards. So this week's rundown is likewise going to be short and sweet. Our cast of pickmaking contributors have also been given the week off, so you won't find a lot of fireworks here this time around.
But speaking of Independence Day, I can't think of a better way to celebrate America than with Willie Nelson's Stardust: 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition. On this newly upgraded edition, you've got a true American original, digging into the American songbook, for an album that has long since gone down as an American classic. The only things missing are the barbeque and the fireworks. The Legacy Edition also features a second disc with even more of Willie's unique take on some of the best loved American standards.
Looking elsewhere, 50 Cent's original crew G-Unit is back with T.O.S.: Terminate on Sight. Although they are down a few members — most notably Young Buck — G-Unit still manages to bring it here for the most part.
On Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles, the hearthrob mellow rock guitarist performs in settings which include acoustic trio, electric trio, and large ensemble. As always, Mayer blends everything from his trademark mellow rock tunes, to elements of jazz, blues, and occasionally a somewhat harder brand of rock.
Rounding out the highlights, tex-mex rockers Los Lonely Boys are back with Forgiven. My Chemical Romance bid farewell to the Black Parade era on the live disc The Black Parade Is Dead!.
Happy 4th of July everyone!
Here are all of this week's new album releases courtesy of All Music Guide:
Alkaline Trio
Agony & Irony
Epic
Punk-Pop, Punk Revival
Article comments
1 - Pico
Slim pickins this week.
2 - Andy Marsh
Glen - can you tell me if the new Mayer album will have new cuts on it, or is it just a live version of older songs?
3 - Mark Saleski
three sets: acoustic, trio, and full band. not really sure how much new material there is.
there's also a cover of Petty's "Free Fallin'" (is it just me or did i just hear a very ominous noise emanate all the way from huntsville, al.?)
;-)
4 - Andy Marsh
Well, I went out and bought this CD yesterday. It's very entertaining! Even the cover of "Free Fallin'"!
22 songs on 2 CD's for $10! Can't beat that with a stick! There are are a lot of songs I've heard before, but also a bunch I haven't.